Sometimes the best things in life come out of (and often come out) a little crazy idea taken from concept to creation, and I’d say Maryland-based brainchild and designer Chris Sciannella’s “crazy” idea is more likely than not going to make someone a millionaire at some point. Insanimals, the cool line of wild-eyed (but completely lovable) plush toys, made me laugh for a few reasons when I strolled up to the booth at this year’s Toy Fair, all of them good. For one, how can you not automatically get a grin going when seeing a chihuahua, cow, monkey or zebra (all with BIG hypnotic plastic eyeballs) staring back at you? I felt like picking them all up and shaking them gently to see if they’d snap out of it, but that bad idea of mine would just turn them back into “Normanimals” and you can get those anywhere from the local florist to the world’s biggest toy store. Insanimals are special because they’re completely bonkers and don’t try to hide it one bit…

The other thing that kept me smiling was it was great to see a toy that wasn’t going the “safe” route, yet managed to be 100% accessible and fun without being crude. Sure, if you’re overly PC, the very idea of “celebrating” one’s kooky side may seem “crazy”, but here, it works because the plushes are instantly likable and hilarious and it becomes clear when you read the 100% hilarious coloring book (also part of the product line, as are storybooks, T-shirts new plush animals and more goodies coming later this year) that these goofballs are here to stay around for a while. Sixteen bucks each isn’t a lot to spend for something as surprisingly therapeutic as a new friend who’ll absorb those hugs and vacuum the crazy from anything that comes close, I say.

Finally, (and it has to be said), we’re ALL crazy in one way or another, like it or not, so having an Insanimal or two around  the home is a good way to let that freak flag fly in a quieter and less er, “arresting” manner than hitting the mall in your PJ’s, mismatched socks and slipper (yeah, ONE slipper) to buy a 30-pound cheese wheel and try to ride it down the escalator to the parking lot. Where you happen to remember that you forgot the car this time and took the neighbor kid’s brand new retro Big Wheel.

Of course, if you say say you’re “not” packing a crazy bone in your body, maybe go check yourself out in that mirror for a minute. If you find yourself watching a “reality” show out of the corner on that always on TV of one eye while pointing out flaws in your mug and obsessing over them as you’re dialing up that Lifestyle Lift number (and you’re well under 50), yeah… you’re probably a little certifiable and NEED an Insanimal to talk to. So go pick one (or three), ask for a coloring book, buy some decent crayons while you’re at it and once your Insanimal shipment pops up in the mail, spend some quality time with your new friend(s) for a bit. Trust me, you’ll feel better, get more sleep and probably be a better person for it.